The blog covers releases in the areas of free and mainstream jazz, world music, "art" rock, and the blues. Classical coverage, which was originally here, continues on the Gapplegate Classical-Modern Review (see link on this page). Where are we right now and how did we get here? That's the concern.

Friday, November 13, 2015

Steve Swell / Leap of Faith, Factorizations

Leading avant jazz trombonist Steve Swell joins together with the Boston-based Leap of Faith group for Factorizations (Evil Clown 9075). The set was recorded at New Revolution Arts in Brooklyn in August of 2013.

Essentially Steve gives us a wide-ranging unaccompanied solo for the first half and Leap of Faith joins him for the remainder. Pek is the ensemble's leader and plays clarinet, a variety of saxes, voice, etc. Glynis Lomon is on cello and voice, Steve Norton is on clarinets and saxes and Yuri Zbitnov appears on drums and metallic objects.

The Swell solo segment gives Steve plenty of space to work out sound-color effusions and then some soulfully out motives, reminding us why he remains a central figure on New York's new jazz scene.

The full-band segment is a fully free outburst with great color and contrasts born of the intersection of Swell, the reeds, cello and percussion. The out-lining group phrasing is expressively advanced, noisy at times in the best sort of way, and filled with an excellent give-and-take. Swell spurs on Leap of Faith to their best and vice-versa. This is a fine excursion into collective breadth and musical avant power.

If you soar with out collectivity and appreciate it when the architectural inventiveness of such things reaches orbital heights, this one is for you. And of course if you appreciate great trombone in the zone, this puts Steve in a good place as well. More!

About Me

I am a life-long writer, musician, composer and editor. I wrote for Cadence for many years, a periodical covering jazz and improv music. My combined Blogspot blogs (as listed in the links) now cover well over 3,000 recordings in review. It's been a labor of love. The music is chosen because I like it, for the most part, so you won't find a great deal of nastiness here. I have no affiliations and gain nothing from liking what I do, so that makes me somewhat impartial. I do happen to like a set of certain musics done well, so it's not everything released that gets coverage on these blogs. I have thirteen volumes of compositions available on amazon.com. Just type in "Grego Applegate Edwards" to find them. (But one is under "Gregory Applegate Edwards.") I went to music and higher education schools and got degrees. It changed my life and gave me the ability to think and write better. I've studied with master musicians, too. The benefits I gained from them are invaluable. I appreciate my readers. You are why I write these reviews. I hope the joy of music enriches your life like it does mine. Thank you. And thank you to all the artists that make it possible.